Education & Care

How to become a Preschool Teacher

From teacher assistant: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

1–2 years

Typical pay

$34k–$46k

Starting from

Teacher assistant

The steps

1. 1

   Study early childhood development

   Ages and stages, curriculum, and behaviour guidance.

   6–24 months

   Course that covers thisMaster Course in Early Childhood EducationUdemy · around $89.99 →
2. 2

   Get the CDA

   The Child Development Associate credential — the common national entry point.

   CDA (Council for Professional Recognition)

3. 3

   Complete state licensing requirements

   Health, safety and CPR, plus a background check.

   Pediatric first aid / CPR

   Course that covers thisCPR/AED Awareness Course: Save Lives with ConfidenceUdemy · around $19.99 →
4. 4

   Work in a licensed centre

   Head Start and accredited centres pay more and support further study.

   1–2 years

Course links are Udemy affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Licences and exams named above are issued by state boards and certifying bodies we have no relationship with; we list them because they are what the job actually requires.